Cost of Living in Wells County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wells County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wells County ranks #270 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wells County, Indiana
Wells County beats national affordability standard
Wells County residents spend just 14.4% of income on rent, bettering the national average and earning it a "more affordable" designation. At $69,741 median household income, Wells County is nearly $5,000 above the national median, making housing costs manageable.
Indiana's most affordable rental market
Wells County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, well below the state average of 15.6%. Few Indiana counties offer renters better value relative to local wages.
Sweet spot between cost and income
Wells County's $837 median rent aligns with state averages, but higher median incomes create lower housing burden than Wayne ($813 rent, 17.2% burden) and competitive ratios with White and Whitley. This combination—reasonable rent and solid wages—makes Wells an affordability standout.
Balanced housing costs in Wells County
Renters allocate $837 monthly while homeowners spend $911, representing a healthy 14.4% and 15.7% of income respectively. Wells County's $69,741 median income distributes housing burdens evenly across renters and owners.
Wells County delivers solid value
If affordability matters alongside quality of life, Wells County merits serious consideration with its above-average incomes and manageable housing costs. Home values at $180,000 reflect a growing market worth exploring before prices rise further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wells County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Wells County is affordable. The median rent is $837/month against a median household income of $69,741, putting rent at 14.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wells County is $837/month, while owner costs run $911/month. Renting saves approximately $74/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,043/year. With a median household income of $69,741, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Wells County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Vermillion County where rent averages $785/month, Wells County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wells County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,627
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wells County
Median home value is $180,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,437 vs. your max of $1,627.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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